Passive Gravity Filter Cell and Methods of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

A passive filter cell having a basin with a floor and two or more vertical or upright sidewalls forming chute or container having first or left sidewall, second or right sidewall, and third or back sidewall, and fourth or front downwardly curved sidewall, an inlet positioned proximate a top of the fourth or front sidewall and an outlet positioned proximate the top of the third or back sidewall, wherein the floor is configured angled from the fourth or front sidewall to the third or back sidewall, discharge pipe positioned proximate junction between the floor and the third or back sidewall, and lip configured to extend from the top of the third or back sidewall into an interior of the basin.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a passive filter cell and methods of usethereof. More specifically the disclosure relates to a passive gravityfilter cell or array of cells equipped with a charged particle device.

BACKGROUND

Waste water treatment and other fluid conditioning is a process toconvert, treat, or condition a liquid waste, which is no longer suitablefor its intended use, into an effluent that can be reused aftertreatment—removing impurities, suspended solids, and contaminants fromwater being treated or returned to water cycle with minimalenvironmental impact (water reclamation).

Known types of wastewater treatment include: clarifiers, skimmers, andoil-water and sludge separators.

Clarifiers, as used in the wastewater industry are devices that aredesigned to do just what their name implies; they separate matter thatis suspended in the liquid, thereby “clarifying” the water. Working onthe principle that nothing is exactly the same weight as water, theseunits allow for the water to pool slowly letting the suspended matterthat is heavier than water sink to the bottom where it is collected assludge. Matter that is lighter than water is allowed to float to the topand either evaporates or is collected as scum by a simple skimmerdevice. While many effective designs have existed over the years, theyare for the most part large unwieldy shapes and are usually constructedas in-ground structures or settling tanks with mechanical means forcontinuous movement of the wastewater. One disadvantage of clarifiers isshape and unwieldy mechanical means prohibit them from being portable.Another disadvantage of the clarifier is the design is set beforeconstruction commences, so current design clarifiers cannot easily bemodified or expanded. Imagine trying to change the shape or capacity ofan in ground swimming pool once it is already built. Anotherdisadvantage of clarifiers is the energy required to pump the wastewaterinto the tank and the energy required to stir the wastewater results inlarge electrical energy requirement to operate the clarifier. Anotherdisadvantage of the clarifier is the tanks are large and require acreageto construct the wastewater clarifier and the wastewater mixturereleases odorous gases requiring the clarifier be placed remotely fromthe waste source or public requiring waste water transmission over greatdistances.

Skimmers are devices that catch or collect contaminated floating toplayer of oil or oil substances floating on a liquid surface—theseparation of a contaminated top layer. Skimmers include floating oil oroil substance absorbents and paddles in the path of the flowing liquid,for example, as it moves through a tank. One disadvantage of skimmers isthey restrict flow and create turbulent flow pattern.

Oil-water and sludge separators includes a basin where a flow ofeffluent is supplied to the basin and wherein the flow is directedaround one or more baffles whether divergent, deflectors, or resistanceto flow, which create a heavy turbulence in the flow and transform asubstantial part of the energy of flow into energy in the whirls whichcreate the turbulence. The turbulence increases the creation of sludgeflocs and the succeeding sedimentation of these. One disadvantage iseddy currents of turbulence help suspend some solids or minerals in theliquid and enable the liquid to hold on to these solids.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a passivegravity filter cell and methods of use thereof that functions to enablea combination of features including the calm flow of liquid withsuspended solids without turbulence, little to no restriction of flow ofliquid carrying suspended solids, low energy requirement, small acreagerequirement, and thus, to improve the performance of removal ofsuspended solids from effluent.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present disclosureovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed for a passive filter cell, and methods of use thereof, thatgenerally includes a basin with a floor and two or more vertical orupright sidewalls forming a chute or container having a first or leftsidewall, a second or right sidewall, and a third or back sidewall, anda fourth or front, which may include a section of horizontal plane,downwardly curved or slanted sidewall, a wide yet shallow inletpositioned proximate a top of the fourth or front sidewall and an outletpositioned proximate the top of the third or back sidewall, wherein thefloor is configured to be angled from the fourth or front sidewall tothe third or back sidewall, a discharge pipe may be positioned proximatea junction may be between the floor and the third or back sidewall, anda flap may be configured to extend from the top of the third or backsidewall into an interior of the basin and, thus, functions to providecalm flow of liquid with suspended solids without turbulence, little tono restriction of flow of liquid carrying suspended solids, a low energyrequirement, and/or a small acreage requirement to improve theperformance of removal of suspended solids from effluent.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentdisclosure in its exemplary form is a passive gravity filter and methodsof use having a basin with a floor and three vertical or uprightsidewalls forming a chute or container having a first or left sidewall,a second or right sidewall, and a third or back sidewall, and a fourthor front downwardly curved or slanted sidewall, a wide yet shallow inletpositioned proximate a top of the fourth or front sidewall and an outletpositioned proximate the top of the third or back sidewall, wherein thefloor is configured to be angled from the fourth or front sidewall tothe third or back sidewall and angled from the first or left sidewall tothe second or right sidewall, a valve discharge pipe may be positionedproximate a junction between the floor, the second or right sidewall,and the third or back sidewall, a flap or lip may be configured toextend from the top of the third or back sidewall into an interior ofthe basin, and thus functions to provide calm flow of liquid withsuspended solids without turbulence, little to no restriction of flow ofliquid carrying suspended solids, a low energy requirement, and/or asmall acreage requirement to improve the performance of removal ofsuspended solids from effluent.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the presentdisclosure in its exemplary form is a passive gravity filter and methodsof use that targets the true concept of “filtration”, to separate wateror other liquid medium from whatever non desirable substances they maycontain either as a suspended substance or dissolved substance. It isnoted herein that water, with a specific gravity of “1”, is virtuallyabsolute as to its weight. Everything else, such as suspended substanceor dissolved substance is either heavier or lighter than water. Forexample, if you add dissolved minerals to water the mineral water isheavier. Moreover, other liquid mediums other than water enjoy a similarvirtue.

In an exemplary embodiment, the passive gravity filter and methods ofuse thereof may include a passive filter cell for filtering an effluentwith suspended substances and dissolved substances, the passive filtercell comprising a basin with a floor and two or more upright sidewallsforming a channel having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, backsidewall, and a front sidewall, the floor is configured on an angle fromthe front sidewall to the back sidewall, an inlet may be positionedproximate a top of the front sidewall to receive the effluent and anoutlet may be positioned proximate the top of the back sidewall to exitthe effluent, wherein the front sidewall is downwardly curved from theinlet to the floor, and a discharge pipe may be positioned proximate ajunction between the floor and the back sidewall, a lip may beconfigured to extend from the top of the back sidewall into an interiorof the basin, a charged particle precipitation apparatus.

In still a further exemplary embodiment of the passive gravity filterand methods of use thereof, a method of filtering an effluent withsuspended substances and dissolved substances may be provided foroperating the passive gravity filter. The method comprising the steps ofproviding two or more passive filter cells, each passive filter cellhaving a basin with a floor and two or more upright sidewalls forming achannel having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, back sidewall, and afront sidewall, the floor is configured on an angle from the frontsidewall to the back sidewall, an inlet may be positioned proximate atop of the front sidewall to receive the effluent and an outletpositioned proximate the top of the back sidewall to exit the effluent,wherein the front sidewall is downwardly curved from the inlet to thefloor, and a discharge pipe positioned proximate a junction between thefloor and the back sidewall, joining at least a first passive filtercell and at least a second passive filter cell, wherein the outlet ofthe first passive filter cell is joined thereto the inlet of the secondpassive filter cell, inputting an effluent therein the inlet of the atleast a first passive filter cell, filtering the effluent into a firsteffluent and a second effluent in each of the each passive filter cell,discharging the first effluent from the outlet of at least the firstpassive filter cell to the input of at least the second passive filtercell, and discharging the second effluent from the outlet of at leastthe second passive filter cell.

A feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of use thereof isthe ability to provide individual modules or cells depending on the flowrate, suspended solid, clarity desired and other factors. Each module orcell is adjustable in virtually all parameters. Individual modules orcells can be added or subtracted in line, and once in place, tailored todeal with the load presented at that point in the system. Theseadjustments can be made after the system is in operation to optimizeperformance.

Another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of use thereofis the ability to provide a system which is portable requiring nopermanent infrastructure.

Still another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is the ability to provide a passive gravity filter modules orcells enhanced or equipped with charged particle precipitators. Thesemodules or cells will, with charged particle precipitators, enable theclarifier to remove elements that are dissolved into the water not justsuspended. Moreover, these modules or cells, with charged particleprecipitators, may be used to create a device or array where the primarygoal is to remove minerals and other elements that are dissolved inwater or other liquid such as calcium, sodium, iron and the like.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is the ability to provide a passive gravity filter modules orcells enhanced or equipped with a height adjustable anode or cathode ofthe charged particle precipitators to enable adjustment of removal ofthe dissolved particles and simplify cleaning of the plates.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is the ability to provide large scale sustainable desalinizationof salt or brackish water in support of agriculture and industry. Theoverriding issue that has impeded desalinization on a large scale hasalways been energy signature. Current methods, based on evaporativedevices, osmosis, or other forms of micro filtration, simply use toomuch energy to be cost effective, thus, raising the cost when scaled tomeet the needs of any type of large scale operation.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a wide and narrow inlet matched forpurpose of maintaining a calm, congruent, non-turbulent inflow ofeffluent with suspended or dissolved substance.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a wide and narrow outlet for purposeof maintaining a calm, congruent, non-turbulent discharge of effluentwith suspended or dissolved substance to become an inlet to the nextcoupled passive gravity filter module or cell.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a non-baffled and turbulent freesuspended or dissolved solids clarifier. The slanted front sidewallenables the effluent flow to fall enabling heavier particles to fall atdifferent rates and induce separation without impeding flow.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a filter with no moving parts orfilters to change.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a filter having an inlet, an effluentspeed reduction zone, a heavy particle separation zone, a storage zone,a discharge or harvest zone, and an outlet.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is the ability to provide an angled, slanted, curved frontsidewall or front floor to create a speed differential betweendifferently weighted components of water, suspended solids, anddissolved solids or substances to separate or cause to fall out thewater, suspended solids, and dissolved solids.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide passive gravity filter modules orcells where each module or cell removes a small concentration, portion,or percentage of suspended substance and/or dissolved substance andmultiple passive gravity filter modules or cells linked in series toclarify in stages in repeatable tunable modules or cells and removes alarge percentage of suspended substance and/or dissolved substance.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a standalone unit or module or cell,however the filter may be designed to be used in conjunction with otherlike units, providing a cellular or modular arrangement of modules orcells. This allows for the “cells” to be individually tailored to therequirements of each section of the separation or filtration processwherein each module or cell complete a portion of the overall filtrationtask. It should be mentioned that most waste water treatment systems arevery difficult to modify after they are constructed. This leads toinstallations being purposely overbuilt to allow for future capacityneeds. With a modular design, the design is constructed to meet thepresent capacity. Should more capacity be needed, a plurality of modulesor cells may be added to achieve virtually any scale required.Therefore, a modular design cost savings may begin in the very earlieststages of planning and design.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide passive gravity filter modules orcells, wherein individual modules or cells or groups of modules or cellsmay be transported.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide passive gravity filter modules orcells where each module or cell discharges an effluent via the dischargepipe having small or low concentration, portion, or percentage ofelevated suspended substance and/or dissolved substance versestraditional evaporative devices, osmosis, or other forms of microfiltration which discharge effluent with high or elevated concentration,portion, or percentage of suspended substance and/or dissolvedsubstance, such as brine.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a reduced energy signature of theclarifier due to a single requirement to lift the effluent once ratherthan multiple times.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide reduced energy signature of theclarifier due to no requirement to pressurize the effluent.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide a reduced energy signature, or anenergy efficient filter or clarifier, due to no requirement to increasethe temperature of the effluent nor vaporize the effluent.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide simple to build, simple to operate,gravity operated, and no need for polymer thickeners.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide baffle free design whereas virtuallyall current designs require baffling and turbulence to facilitate theseparation of foreign matter from the liquid medium. These prior artbaffle designed separators therefore are inherently energy intensive.Turbulence causes resistance and resistance must be overcome. Usually byenergy intensive pumping.

Yet another feature of the passive gravity filter and methods of usethereof is its ability to provide desalination of sea water via additionof Charged Particle Precipitators Cells to create a device or arraywhere the primary goal is to remove minerals and other elements that aredissolved in water such as calcium, sodium, iron, mercury, lead andother like particles or toxins that will receive and hold a charge. Theprimary goal of this type of device would be large scale sustainabledesalinization in support of agriculture and industry.

These and other features of the passive gravity filter and methods ofuse thereof will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from theprior Summary and following Brief Description of the Drawings, DetailedDescription of exemplary embodiments thereof, and Claims when read inlight of the accompanying Drawings or Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present passive gravity filter and methods of use thereof will bebetter understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferredand Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanyingdrawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similarstructure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the passivegravity filter;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the passive gravityfilter, according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the passive gravityfilter with identified flow zones, according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the passive gravityfilter with identified flow arrows of an effluent, according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of an exemplary embodiment of aplurality of in series passive gravity filters, according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the passive gravityfilter, according to FIG. 1, with integrated charged particleprecipitation apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a plurality ofpassive gravity filters, according to FIG. 1, joined together in series;and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of filtering a portion of suspendedsubstances and/or dissolved substances from an effluent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-8, specific terminology is employed for the sakeof clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to belimited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to beunderstood that each specific element includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments setforth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples,and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to the FIGS. 1-7, there is illustrated a passive gravityfilter and process for removing suspended substance and/or dissolvedsubstance from an effluent, such as fresh, salt or brackish water,wastewater, sewage and/or industrial waste. It is important tounderstand that the apparatus and method for passive gravity filtrationis suitable for utilization in any liquid environment where a decreaseor removal of suspended substance and/or dissolved substance is desiredor beneficial; therefore, while the apparatus and method for passivegravity filtration is described conveniently with the exampleutilization to treat sewage, wastewater pond, salt/brackish water,lagoon, lake, river, or the like it is not limited to application orimplementation in such watersheds. Furthermore, the apparatus and methodfor passive gravity filtration may be utilized to treat water or otherliquids such as but not limited to a golf course pond, water withaquatic plants, as well as water with fish and/or other marine life,fresh, salt or brackish water, wastewater, sewage, agriculture water,irrigation water, industrial waste and other liquid forms or effluents.The apparatus and method for passive gravity filtration is suitable formany applications where suspended substance and/or dissolved substanceare to be removed or reduced from a liquid or liquid medium effluent E,including inorganic and/or organic waste, toxins, minerals,contaminants, pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, pharmaceuticals,hazardous chemicals or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, by way of example, and notlimitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment filtrationdevice, such as passive gravity filtration apparatus 100. Passivegravity filtration apparatus 100 preferably is configured as a basin orchute, such as structure 102 in the shape of a rectangle or trough, suchas channel 105 wherein effluent E flows therethrough or thereon interiorsurface 104 of passive gravity filtration apparatus 100. Passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 may be formed of any watertight and/orcorrosion resistant material, capable of directing the inflow andoutflow of liquid through a designated pathway. Moreover, passivegravity filtration apparatus 100 may preferably be constructed offiberglass, plastic, as these materials offers a variety of forms andshapes; however, other suitable materials such as Styrofoam, metal,aluminum, concrete, composite, and may be lined with rubber or siliconeor the like, formed of multiple layers with different materials, or thelike, may be utilized, provided such material has sufficient strengthand/or durability as would meet the purpose described herein.

It is contemplated herein that structure 102 may be configured in othershapes other than a trough, such as rectangle, tube, or channel 105.

Passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 may have an outer dimension ofwidth by height by length of approximately three (3) feet by three (3)by nine (9) feet; however smaller and larger dimensions are contemplatedherein to accommodate different applications, effluent E flows, and/orsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS being removed orreduced from a liquid or liquid medium, such as effluent E. Moreover,the size of passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 is limited only byapplication. Stationary units may be very large and mobile units may besmaller. However, the design may allow for efficiencies intrinsic insmaller portable units, optimally sized to a specific applications.

Moreover, structure 102 in the shape of a channel or trough whereineffluent E flows therethrough or thereon interior surface 104. Passivegravity filtration apparatus 100 may include one or more walls, such asfront sidewall 140, floor 124, left or first sidewall 131, right orsecond sidewall 132, and back sidewall 133 configured as trough orchannel 105 wherein effluent E flows therethrough or thereon interiorsurface 104 of structure 102. Preferably, front sidewall 140 may beadjoined along different common borders thereto left or first sidewall131, right or second sidewall 132, and floor 124. Likewise, backsidewall 133 may be adjoined along different common borders thereto leftor first sidewall 131, right or second sidewall 132, and floor 124.Preferably, left or first sidewall 131, right or second sidewall 132 areopposing or opposite one another as are front sidewall 140 and backsidewall 133 are opposing or opposite one another. Moreover, left orfirst sidewall 131, right or second sidewall 132, and back sidewall 133are preferably configured to be vertical or upright to form channel 105wherein effluent E flows therethrough or thereon interior surface 104.

Passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 may include inlet 110preferably configured to receive or input effluent E as incoming flowthereto passive gravity filtration apparatus 100. Inlet 110 preferablyorganizes or configures flow of effluent E into a broad flat relativelyslow moving column of liquid, and thus, presents effluent E as a narrowheight, approximately one to eight (1-8) inches, and wide width,approximately 24 to 36 (24-36) inches, however other dimensions of broadwidth and flat height horizontal cross section flow of effluent Eentering passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 are included herein.It is contemplated herein that inlet 110 enables flow of effluent E toslow down, spread out and remove any turbulence, eddy currents, andalign flow parallel to inlet 110. Moreover, inlet 110 may be positionedproximate top section 122 of structure 102 and formed therefrom portionsof front sidewall 140, left or first sidewall 131, and right or secondsidewall 132.

Passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 may include outlet 112preferably configured to discharge effluent E as outgoing flow therefrompassive gravity filtration apparatus 100. Outlet 112 preferablyorganizes or configures flow of effluent E into a broad flat relativelyslow moving column of liquid, and thus, presents effluent E as ashallow, shorten or decrease, in height, approximately one to eight(˜1-8) inches, and wide width, approximately 24 to 36 (24-36) inches,however other dimensions of wide width or broad width and flat heighthorizontal cross section flow of effluent E exiting passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 are included herein. It is contemplated hereinthat outlet 112 enables flow of effluent E to slow down, spread out andremove any turbulence, eddy currents, and align flow parallel to outlet112. Moreover, outlet 112 may be positioned proximate top section 122 ofstructure 102 and formed therefrom portions of back sidewall 133, leftor first sidewall 131, and right or second sidewall 132.

It is contemplated herein that the cross section of inlet 110 and outlet112 may be approximately one and a half square feet 1½ sq-ft, however,other cross sectional dimensions are contemplated herein to accommodateeffluent E flows, and/or suspended substance SS and/or dissolvedsubstance DS being removed or reduced from a liquid or liquid medium,such as effluent E and maintain broad, flat aspect ratio of inlet 110and outlet 112.

It is further contemplated herein that the flow rate of effluent Etherethrough inlet 110 and outlet 112 may be approximately one and ahalf feet per second (1½ feet/second) to three feet per second (3feet/second) or one half to one meter per second (0.5-1 meter/second),however, other flow rates are contemplated herein to accommodateeffluent E flows in a non-turbulent or minimum turbulence manner, and/orsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS being removed orreduced from a liquid or liquid medium, such as effluent E.

It is further contemplated herein that the maximum flow rate of effluentE therethrough inlet 110 and outlet 112 may be approximately one and ahalf million gallons a day 1½ Mgal/day, however, other maximum flowrates are contemplated herein to accommodate effluent E flows, and/orsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS being removed orreduced from a liquid or liquid medium, such as effluent E.

Preferably, front sidewall 140 may be configured as angled, slanted,curved, or the like, and may be preferably curved and descending ordownward from inlet 110 to floor 124 or common borders between floor124, left or first sidewall 131, and right or second sidewall 132.Moreover, front sidewall 140 may include first or flat or horizontalsection 141, second or curved section 142, and third or vertical section143.

Moreover, back sidewall 133 may include lip 172 positioned at a firstend, such as upper end 174 of third or vertical section 143. Preferably,lip 172 projects or extends therein to an interior of channel 105opposite the direction of flow of effluent E to shear off and holdtherein heavier effluent E.

Furthermore, floor 124 may be configured as angled, slanted, sloped,curved, diagonal, or the like from one sidewall to the next, includingbut not limited to, angled down or slanted from left or first sidewall131 to right or second sidewall 132 and/or angled down or slanted fromfront sidewall 140 to back sidewall 133. Floor 124 may be configured asangled, slanted, curved, diagonal, or the like for the purpose ofsettling and moving collected or separated particulate, such assuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS being removed orreduced from a liquid or liquid medium, such as effluent E towarddischarge pipe 182. Discharge pipe 182 is preferably positionedproximate floor 124 and back sidewall 133 and may pass therethroughright or second sidewall 132 and may alternatively be positioned thereinleft or first sidewall 131. It is recognized herein that floor 124 anddischarge pipe 182 may be alternatively designed to accommodatedischarge pipe 182 therein left or first sidewall 131, right or secondsidewall 132, back sidewall 133, floor 124, or the like to dischargeeffluent E.

Moreover, heavy effluent E discharged via discharge pipe 182 may beregulated either manually or automatically via a valve 184. Moreover,the purpose of discharge pipe 182 may be preferably to maintain a steadyor intermittent draw down of heavy effluent E and return the sludge orheavier water or heavy effluent E back to the waterway, resident lagoonor to a dewatering section to harvest the materials, such as suspendedsubstance SS and/or dissolved substance DS.

Still furthermore, passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 may includedry area 190 formed therein and configured under front sidewall 140. Dryarea 190 may be utilized for storage.

Referring now to FIG. 4, by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated an example embodiment of passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100 with arrows of flow F showing effluent E path therethroughstructure 102 or thereon interior surface 104 of passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100. Preferably, effluent E enters inlet 110 andtraverses first or flat or horizontal section 141 of interior surface104, the entry area, such as receiving zone 161. Receiving zone 161 ispreferably configured as a narrow or flat in height and wide, widen, orbroad in width cross section of flow F of effluent E. Possiblypreferably, receiving zone 161 utilizes approximately the first onethird of the total linear length of front sidewall 140. Moreover,receiving zone 161 may preferably enable flow F of effluent E toorganize directionally, becoming a stable “column” of liquid. It iscontemplated herein that flow F of effluent E, in receiving zone 161,may spread out into a broad flat relatively slow moving column ofliquid, and thus, presents effluent E as a narrow or flat in height andwide or broad in width cross section flow F of effluent E traversingfirst or flat or horizontal section 141 of interior surface 104 withoutany turbulence or with reduced turbulence, eddy currents, and flow F ofeffluent E. Effluent E, in receiving zone 161, aligns flow F in parallelto inlet 110 and receiving zone 161. Effluent E, containing undesirableimpurities, is now traveling at a steady state speed with a minimum ofturbulence in receiving zone 161.

Next, effluent E preferably enters separation zone 162 and traversessecond curved section 142, which may be formed as angled, slanted,rounded, arching, diagonal, or the like, of interior surface 104.Separation zone 162 is preferably configured as a section where thebottom of structure 102 and interior surface 104 of passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 drops, declines, falls away (increased angle)in a curved decent or downwardly curved. The effect of curved section142 on flow F of effluent E preferably is to capture or separate a bodyor section of first effluent E1 (first effluent E1 includes a higherconcentration of suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DSeffluent (heavier particulate, particle or substance)) therein firstseparation zone 162.1, that is moving slower than second effluent E2(second effluent E2 includes a lower concentration of suspendedsubstance SS and/or dissolved substance DS effluent (lighterparticulate, particle or substance)) therein second separation zone162.2, the column or section of second effluent E2 now traveling acrossthe “top” of separation zone 162 (second separation zone 162.2), thuscreating an area of “shear” or “separation”—where the slower heavierfirst effluent E1 therein first separation zone 162.1 separates from therelatively faster lighter moving effluent in second effluent E2 thereinsecond separation zone 162.2. Moreover, second or curved section 142 ofinterior surface 104 accomplishes this shear, separation, or delta inspeed between first effluent E1 and second effluent E2 with the minimumof turbulence by increasing the volume of first effluent E1 thereinfirst separation zone 162.1 gradually by increasing the angle of secondor curved section 142 and then dropping away quickly of the angle ofthird or vertical section 143 of interior surface 104. First separationzone 162.1 enables heavier matter, first effluent E1, such as suspendedsubstance SS and/or dissolved substance DS already being pulled downwardby gravity in receiving zone 161 to be caught in the slower moving firsteffluent E1 traversing in first separation zone 162.1 the shear zone,wherein first effluent E1 dramatically loses velocity. As the matterlost velocity, first effluent E1 traversing in first separation zone162.1 is unable to rejoin second effluent E2 therein second separationzone 162.2 as it moves on to outlet 112 and exits passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100. This effect can literally be seen as a siphon,pulling first effluent E1 now separated from second effluent E2 fartherdown into first separation zone 162.1 as third or vertical section 143drops away quickly due to the steep angle of third or vertical section143. Only the lightest second effluent E2 remains in second separationzone 162.2 as it moves through separation zone 162.

It is contemplated herein that, as the bottom begins to fall away (angleof second or curved section 142 to and third or vertical section 143),heavier particles or substance of first effluent E1 begin to falltowards slower moving first effluent E1 in first separation zone 162.1.Herein, higher concentration, portion, and/or percentage of suspendedsubstance SS and/or dissolved substance DS of effluent E1 therein firstseparation zone 162.1 velocity of flow F1 slows and suspended substanceSS and/or dissolved substance DS begin to settle out of effluent E aseffluent E1 into first separation zone 162.1. Moreover, lowerconcentration, portion, and/or percentage of suspended substance SSand/or dissolved substance DS of effluent E2 therein second separationzone 162.2 velocity of flow F increases relative to effluent E1 andeffluent E2 moves through separation zone 162 to collection zone 163 andthen outlet 112.

Next, first effluent E1 preferably enters settling zone or area, such ascollection zone 163 wherein floor 124 of interior surface 104 beingconfigured as angled, slanted, curved, diagonal, or the like from onesidewall to the next towards discharge pipe 182, and thus floor 124collects and moves heaviest first effluent E1 (sludge SG) to dischargepipe 182 wherein discharge pipe 182 removes first effluent E1 (sludge)therefrom collection zone 163. Preferably collection zone 163 and angledfloor 124 are in combination configured to maintain a steady draw downof heavy first effluent E1 (sludge SG). This sloping effect directs themore concentrated and heavier first effluent E1 towards the evacuationport, discharge pipe 182. This is an important feature as passivegravity filtration apparatus 100 must continually remove or “evacuate”enough of first effluent E1 to keep passive gravity filtration apparatus100 from filling up with first effluent E1 (sludge SG).

Next, as lightest second effluent E2 traverses from inlet 110 to outlet112 across receiving zone 161, separation zone 162, and collection zone163, lightest second effluent E2 encounters lip 172. Preferably, lip 172located proximate a first end, such as upper end 174 of third orvertical section 143. Preferably, lip 172 projects or extends therein aninterior, such as channel 105 opposite the direction of flow F ofeffluent E to shear off and hold therein heavier effluent, firsteffluent E1 in collection zone 163. Moreover, the purpose of lip 172 maybe to preferably complete the separation or shearing effect and captureas much of the remaining heavier contaminates, first effluent E1 thatmay still be tumbling in the “shear zone” and hold remaining heaviercontaminates, first effluent E1 therein first collection zone 163.1. Itis contemplated herein that lip 172 can be adjusted in reach (extendstherein channel 105) and height (along first end, such as upper end 174of third or vertical section 143) as necessary to effect as efficient acapture ratio as possible from first collection zone 163.1. Herein,higher concentrations, portions, and/or percentage of suspendedsubstance SS and/or dissolved substance DS therein first collection zone163.1 where the velocity of flow F1 slows and/or dissolved substancebegin to settle out of effluent E as first effluent E1 into sludge SGtherein first collection zone 163.1.

Next, first effluent E1 preferably enters settling area, such as secondcollection zone 163.1 and due to floor 124 of interior surface 104 beingconfigured as angled, slanted, curved, diagonal, or the like from onesidewall to the next towards discharge pipe 182. Discharge valve 184 ofdischarge pipe 182 may be opened to remove heaviest first effluent E1(sludge) therefrom first collection zone 163.1. Preferably firstcollection zone 163.1 and angled floor 124, in combination, may beconfigured to maintain a steady draw down of heavy, first effluent E1from first collection zone 163.1. This sloping effect directs the moreconcentrated and heavier first effluent E1 towards the evacuation port,discharge pipe 182. This is an important feature as passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 must continually remove or “evacuate” enough offirst effluent E1 to keep passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 fromfilling up with first effluent E1 (sludge).

Next, only the lightest second effluent E2 remains in second collectionzone 163.2 and traverses through collection zone 163 to outlet 112.

Some substances are lighter than water having a lower specific gravitythan water, such as oil and grease OG, and float proximate one or moreskimmers 192 positioned proximate top section 122 of structure 102 or ontop surface 194 of effluent E. Other substances that are heavier thanwater having a specific gravity greater than water may be suspended inwater by turbulence, eddy currents of flow F of effluent E travellingparallel to interior surface 104, specifically in receiving zone 161 ofinterior surface 104. Herein, flow F of effluent E virtually stops infirst collection zone 163.1 and second collection zone 163.2 enablingsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS to settle out ofeffluent E as heavier first effluent E1 discharged from passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 via discharge pipe 182 and lighter secondeffluent E2, and thus, removes a small concentration, portion, orpercentage of heavier first effluent E1, which in turn lowers theconcentration, portion, or percentage of suspended substance SS and/ordissolved substance DS therein effluent E exiting passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.

Furthermore, passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 may include one ormore skimmers 192 positioned proximate top section 122 of structure 102(approximately three quarters of the way down the long axis of passivegravity filtration apparatus 100) as an absorbent material floating ontop surface 194 of effluent E. Preferably, skimmer 192 skims floatingcontaminants or substances, such as oil and grease OG floating thereontop surface 194 of effluent E and removes such floating contaminantsfrom effluent E and/or second effluent E2. Moreover, skimmer 192 ispreferably utilized when effluent E is sourced from, for example,restaurants, automotive shops, or industry and used to remove fats,oils, grease and other matter that is actually lighter than water andfloats to top surface 194 of effluent E. Moreover, skimmer 192 may beused where needed and tailored to specific floating contaminates such asoil, grease, pesticides, herbicides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)or other floating substances. It is contemplated herein that passivegravity filtration apparatus 100 with a specific type of skimmer 192 maybe located therein where contaminant is most easily captured. Some VOCsmay not surface until the water has been through several cycles throughpassive gravity filtration apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIG. 5, by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated an example embodiment of two or more inline passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.n. Two or more inline passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.n may be linked or connected via joining flange710/710.1 utilized to couple first outlet 112.1 of first passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.1 thereto second inlet 110.2 of second passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.2.

It is contemplated herein that first passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.1 and second passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.2and so on, for two or more passive gravity filtration apparatuses 100,may be configured as two or more passive filter cells.

It is contemplated herein that inlet 110 and outlet 112 may beconfigured to be similarly shaped or designed to inner lock or fit orjoined one within the other or uniform mating allowing for a uniformmating of the cells of an array of two or more inline passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.n

In operation, each passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.n is taskedwith removing a small concentration, portion, or percentage of heavierfirst effluent E1.n in its stage, cell, or unit and collectively theseries of two or more inline passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.nmay achieve multiples of removal of small concentrations, portions, orpercentages of heavier first effluent E1.n and thus, remove a largeconcentration, portion, or percentage of heavier first effluent E1,which in turn lowers the concentration, portion, or percentage ofsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS therein effluent Eexiting the last in a series of two or more inline passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.n. Moreover, each module or cell of two or moreinline passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.n is adjustable invirtually all parameters. Individual modules or cells of two or moreinline passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.n can be added orsubtracted in line, and once in place tailored to deal with the loadpresented at that point in the system. These adjustments can be madeafter the system is in operation to optimize performance.

Preferably discharge pipe 182.n is adjustable via discharge valve184/184.n. This feature enables “tuning” of discharge first effluentE1.n through discharge pipe 182 for each cell of two or more inlinepassive gravity filtration apparatus 100.n. Moreover, the initial flowrate of effluent E coming into inlet 110 may be adjusted as well for“tuning”. Early in the series, such early cells of two or more inlinepassive gravity filtration apparatus 100.n may discharge larger amountsof first effluent E1.n via discharge pipe 182.n because the cellslocated in the early section of an array of two or more inline passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.n will preferably be exposed to ahigher concentration, portion, or percentage of contaminates, such assuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS effluent E.Furthermore, the ideal adjustment, for each discharge pipe 182.n, is toremove only the volume of first effluent E1.n necessary to optimize theperformance of each individual cell of two or more inline passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.n, keeping the apparatus clear ofbuildup and enhancing the “siphoning” effect of each second or curvedsection 142 and/or third or vertical section 143. It is recognizedherein that cells early in the array of two or more inline passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.n may discharge as much asapproximately ten percent (10%) of first effluent E1.1 whereas cellslocated close to the end of the array of two or more inline passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.n may discharge a fraction,approximately one percent (1%) of first effluent E1.1, as first effluentE1.n. These percentages of discharge reflect the overall volume ofeffluent E1 flowing through the array of two or more inline passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.n. Moreover, first effluent E1.n, beingremoved from the overall flow therethrough two or more inline passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.n and containing high concentrations oforganic sludge SG.n, can be returned to a lagoon for biologicaldigestion or sent to a thickener for disposal as per standard industrypractices.

Furthermore, when effluent E2 finally arrives at the outlet 112,effluent E2 is preferably reformed in preparation of entry into the nextcell in the array of two or more inline passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.n. Thus, the process of adding additional cells can berepeated as many times as necessary to achieve the desired results ofwater quality released from two or more inline passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.n.

It is contemplated herein that passive gravity filtration apparatus100.n may be assembled in series end-to-end, may be stacked, assembledin rows, and the like, and in combinations thereof.

For example, salt, at the molecular level, salt dissolves in water dueto electrical charges and due to the fact that both water and saltcompounds are polar, with positive and negative charges on oppositesides in the molecule. The bonds in salt compounds are called ionicbecause they both have an electrical charge—the chloride ion isnegatively charged and the sodium ion is positively charged. Likewise, awater molecule is ionic in nature, but the bond is called covalent, withtwo hydrogen atoms both situating themselves with their positive chargeon one side of the oxygen atom, which has a negative charge. When saltis mixed with water, the salt dissolves because the covalent bonds ofwater are stronger than the ionic bonds in the salt molecules.

The positively-charged side of the water molecule are attracted to thenegatively-charged chloride ions and the negatively-charged side of thewater molecules are attracted to the positively-charged sodium ions.Essentially, a tug-of-war ensues with the water molecules winning thematch. Water molecules pull the sodium and chloride ions apart, breakingthe ionic bond that held them together. After the salt compounds arepulled apart, the sodium and chloride atoms are surrounded by watermolecules. Once this happens, the salt is dissolved, resulting in ahomogeneous solution.

Referring now to FIG. 6, by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated an example embodiment of passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100 with charged particle precipitation apparatus 600integrated therein. Charged particle precipitation apparatus 600 may bea filtration device that removes, collects, and/or separates fineparticles, suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS thereineffluent E using the force of an induced electrostatic charge.Electrostatic or electric charge is the physical property of matter thatcauses the object to experience a force when placed in anelectromagnetic field. There are two types of electric charges: positiveand negative. Like charges repel, and unlike charges attract. Chargedparticle precipitation apparatus 600 preferably functions to create abody or section of first effluent E1 (first effluent E1 includes ahigher concentration, portion, or percentage of suspended substance SSand/or dissolved substance DS effluent (first negative chargedeffluent—negative charged particle or substance)) having a negativecharge and attracted thereto first separation zone 162.1 in contrast tosecond effluent E2 (second effluent E2 includes a lower concentration,portion, or percentage of suspended substance SS and/or dissolvedsubstance DS effluent (second non negative charged effluent—positivecharged particle or substance)) having a neutral or positive charge andrepelled or un attracted thereto first separation zone 162.1, and thus,remains in second separation zone 162.2. It is contemplated herein thatpolarity of charge may be reversed between first effluent E1 and secondeffluent E2. Moreover, passive gravity filtration apparatus 100preferably utilizes the repulsion and attractive properties of positiveand negative charge to separate suspended substance SS and/or dissolvedsubstance DS therein effluent E.

Charged particle precipitation apparatus 600 may include inlet charginggrid 602 (negative), separation charging grid 604 (positive), andelectric power source 606. Inlet charging grid 602 may preferably bepositioned proximate inlet 110, receiving zone 161, or anywhere upstreamof separation charging grid 604. Moreover, inlet charging grid 602 mayinclude conductive surface, such as one or more charge plates 608 spacedapart therein effluent E passing therethrough inlet 110, receiving zone161. In one embodiment, inlet charging grid 602 may include one or morecharge plates 608.1 configured with a plurality of 0.200 inch thickplates aligned vertically and spaced approximately two (2) inches apart.Furthermore, one or more charge plates 608.1 may be configured as squareor rectangle or other shape and may be approximately two (2) inches wideand may extend in height up to the full height of inlet 110 to maximizenegative charge of power supply contact with incoming effluent E.Furthermore, one or more charge plates 608.1 may be configured in one ormore sets or rows of plates and may be angled relative to flow F ofeffluent E, for example, approximately 10 degrees off center to maximizesurface contact therewith effluent E passing therethrough inlet 110 andreceiving zone 161. Still furthermore, a subsequent row may beoppositely aligned relative to a previous row to realign flow F ofeffluent E and to minimize any turbulence of flow F of effluent Etherein inlet 110 and receiving zone 161.

It is recognized herein that liquid medium (water) effluent E comprisesmolecules or subcomponents of liquid medium (water) and liquid medium(water) having suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS. Inuse, inlet charging grid 602 preferably transfers a charge (negative)thereto molecules or subcomponents 802 of liquid medium (water) havingsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS therein effluent Epassing therethrough inlet 110 and receiving zone 161 and transferslittle or no charge (negative) thereto molecules or subcomponentsmolecules or subcomponents 802 of liquid medium (water) not carryingsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS.

It is contemplated herein that one or more charge plates 608 may bearranged as parallel plates to allow for electrical contact theretoeffluent E with a minimum of disturbance, however, other configurations,sizes, and dimensions are included herein to maintain broad, flat, calm,water column of effluent E to maximum separation efficiency. Turbulencecauses particles to tend to stay mixed.

Power supply 606 may include standard fixed power supply or a powersupply with adjustable/variable voltage, current, and/or polarity. Powersupply 606 preferably includes positive output terminal 606.2 and anegative output terminal 606.1 wherein negative output terminal 606.1may be electrically connected via electrical wire 609 thereto inletcharging grid 602 and positive output terminal 606.2 may be electricallyconnected via electrical wire 609 thereto separation charging grid 604.

Furthermore, separation charging grid 604 (positive), may include one ormore charge plates 608 spaced apart therein effluent E passingtherethrough separation zone 162 and collection zone 163. In oneembodiment, separation charging grid 604 may include one or more chargeplates 608.2 configured with a plurality of 0.125 inch thick platesaligned vertically and spaced approximately two (2) inches apart.Furthermore, one or more charge plates 608.2 may be configured as squareor rectangle or other shape and may be approximately one and a half(1.5) inches wide and may extend in height to approximately two (2)inches to maximize positive charge of power supply.

It is recognized herein that charging grid 604 attracts and pulls offirst effluent E1 (molecules or subcomponents 802 of liquid medium(water) having negatively charged (negative) suspended substance SSand/or dissolved substance DS) thereto separation zone 162 and/orcollection zone 163. Moreover, charging grid 604 repels second effluentE2 (molecules or subcomponents molecules or subcomponents 802 of liquidmedium (water) not carrying suspended substance SS and/or dissolvedsubstance DS and having little or no charge (negative)), and, thussecond effluent E2 traverses thereto second separation zone 162.2 andsecond collection zone 163.2.

Furthermore, one or more first charge plates 608 may be configured inone or more rows of plates and may be angled relative to first flow F1of first effluent E1, for example, approximately 10 degrees off centerto maximize contact therewith first effluent E1 moving into separationzone 162 and/or collection zone 163. Still furthermore, a subsequent rowmay be oppositely aligned relative to a previous row to realign firstflow F1 of first effluent E1 and to minimize any turbulence of firstflow F1 of first effluent E1 therein separation zone 162 and/orcollection zone 163.

It is recognized herein that flow F1 of first effluent E1 is slower inseparation zone 162 and/or collection zone 163, and thus the pattern ofseparation on charging grid 604 may be tighter than that on inletcharging grid 602.

It is recognized herein that liquid medium (water) effluent E comprisesmolecules or subcomponents of liquid medium (water) and liquid medium(water) having suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS. Inuse, separation charging grid 604 preferably attracts or pulls(attraction to the opposite electric field created by separationcharging grid 604) charged (negative) molecules or subcomponents 802 ofliquid medium (water) having suspended substance SS and/or dissolvedsubstance DS therein effluent E thereto or toward its one or more chargeplates 608.2, and has little or no attraction or pull thereon chargedmolecules or subcomponents 802 of liquid medium (water) not carryingsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS; thus separating atleast a portion or percentage of first effluent E1 (charged) therefromsecond effluent E2 (non-charged) in separation zone 162 and/orcollection zone 163.

It is recognized herein that first effluent E1 carrying a negativecharge [charged (negative) molecules or subcomponents 802 of liquidmedium (water) having suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substanceDS] begins to be pulled downward toward separation charging grid 604.Separation takes place in this area, separation zone 162. The vastmajority of the liquid medium, second effluent E2, carrying noelectrical charge begins separating from first effluent E1 and traverseto outlet 112.

It is recognized herein that separating at least a portion or percentageof first effluent E1 therefrom second effluent E2 enables discharge viadischarge pipe 182 to comprise a higher concentration, portion, orpercentage of suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DStherein relative to effluent E entering passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.

It is further recognized herein that separating at least a portion orpercentage of first effluent E1 therefrom second effluent E2 enablesdischarge via outlet 112 to comprise a lower concentration, portion, orpercentage of suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DStherein relative to effluent E entering passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.

Preferably, separation zone 162 and/or collection zone 163 is constantlyflushed when first effluent E1 exits discharge pipe 182. The minimumrate of discharge required by discharge pipe 182 is the rate necessaryto keep first effluent E1 from remixing with the cross-flow effluent E1.

Moreover, intermittently strong reverse polarity charge from electricpower source 606 may be applied to separation charging grid 604 to cleanone or more charge plates 608 of collected charged (negative) moleculesor subcomponents 802. The released charged (negative) molecules orsubcomponents 802 may be swept away by first effluent E1 exitingdischarge pipe 182.

It is contemplated herein that one or more charge plates 608 may bearranged as parallel plates to allow for electrical contact theretoeffluent E with a minimum of disturbance, however, other configurations,sizes, and dimensions are included herein to maintain broad, flat, calm,water column of effluent E to provide maximum separation efficiency.

It is further contemplated herein that one or more charge plates 608(whether positive or negative charged) may include other configurations,thickness, size, dimensions and position therein passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.

Separation charging grid 604 may include height or vertical adjustmentdevice 700 to enable height adjustment of separation charging grid 604therein separation zone 162 and/or collection zone 163. Verticaladjustment device 700 may include one or more insulated rails orsupports positioned proximate one or more walls, such as front sidewall140, floor 124, left or first sidewall 131, right or second sidewall132, and back sidewall 133 or more specifically may include firstsupport 701 positioned proximate vertical section 143 of interiorsurface 104 and second support 702 positioned proximate back sidewall133 of interior surface 104. One or more sections of separation charginggrid 604 may be adjustably affixed thereto at least one of verticaladjustment device 700 via a fastener, such as pinch bolt 703. Pinch bolt703 may be adjusted up and/or down one of the one or more supports, suchas first support 701 or second support 702 to change the verticalposition or height of separation charging grid 604 relative to floor124.

It is contemplated herein that the optimum vertical position ofseparation charging grid 604 therein separation zone 162 and/orcollection zone 163 relative to the flow of effluent E will be dependenton volume of flow of effluent E in inlet 110 and concentration ofsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS.

It is further contemplated herein that variables regarding passivegravity filtration apparatus 100, such as height adjustment ofseparation charging grid 604 therein separation zone 162 and/orcollection zone 163, the quantity of effluent E entering inlet 110, thecondition of effluent E entering inlet 110 (heavier), the amount offirst effluent E1 exiting discharge pipe 182, as well as the amount ofvoltage/current applied to inlet charging grid 602 and/or separationcharging grid 604, each cell is variable allows for tuning theefficiency of removal of first effluent E1 (suspended substance SSand/or dissolved substance DS) from effluent E.

It is further contemplated herein that charged (negative) molecules orsubcomponents 802 that traversed second separation zone 162.2 and secondcollection zone 163.2 (i.e. not pulled down into first separation zone162.1 or first collection zone 163.1) by separation charging grid 604may come in range of subsequent or downstream passive gravity filtrationapparatus' 100 inlet charging grid 602 (negative) electrical field.Subsequent or downstream passive gravity filtration apparatus' 100 inletcharging grid 602 (negative) electrical field preferably repels charged(negative) molecules or subcomponents 802 pushes, via repelling forcefrom (negative) electrical field, charged (negative) molecules orsubcomponents 802 under lip 172 and into first separation zone 162.1 orfirst collection zone 163.1.

Referring now to FIG. 7, by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated an example embodiment of two or more passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 in series as multi-modules or cells C/M formingarray A. For, example, first passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.1outlet 112.1 may be coupled or joined via a joiner or coupler, such asmating flange 710.1 to inlet 110.2 of second passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.2 and so on for two or passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.

It is recognized herein that two or more passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100 of the series of modules or cells, such as first passivegravity filtration apparatus 100.1, second passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.2, third passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.3,fourth passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.4, fifth passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.5, sixth passive gravity filtration apparatus100.6, seventh passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.7, and eighthpassive gravity filtration apparatus 100.8 in a four-by-four stackedconfiguration. Moreover, one or more rows of two or more passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 of the series of modules or cells may beconfigured.

It is recognized herein that each passive gravity filtration apparatus100 of the series of modules or cells, such as first passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100.1 and second passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.2 is only required to do a part of the reduction orfiltering process and that collectively two or more passive gravityfiltration apparatus 100 working in series has a greater sum totalreduction or filtering capability. Moreover, individual modules or cellsC/M may be tuned or customized to perform a specific reduction orfiltering and such feature enables overall reduction or filtrationprocess to be greatly optimized. Moreover, some or all modules or cellsC/M of array A may or may not have integrated therein charged particleprecipitation apparatus 600 functionality. These units will enable theclarifier to remove elements that are dissolved particulate into thewater, dissolved substance DS, not just suspended solids, suspendedsubstance SS.

For example, a cell or module C/M in the early part of the array A willsee water of the highest (most conductive) salinity, and would requireless current and more discharge via discharge pipe 182 than a cell atthe end of the array A where the water has much less salinity (lessconductive) and would require more current and less discharge viadischarge pipe 182. Because towards the end of array A where the wateris much less conductive, (far fewer salt molecules), the requirementwould be more current but less discharge. Thus the process is “tunable”adjustable in virtually all parameters. Optimizing each cell or moduleC/M will greatly enhance overall efficiency of array A.

Moreover, individual cell or module C/M may be added or subtracted, andonce in place tailored to deal with the load presented at that point inthe system of array A. These adjustments can be made after the system isin operation to optimize performance. Importantly, the entire array A isportable requiring no permanent infrastructure.

It is important to note that discharge via discharge pipe 182 or“return” water should not exceed 50% of overall flow entering firstpassive gravity filtration apparatus 100.1. FIG. 7 represents afiltration system with a capacity of approximately three million gallonsper day. This would mean a system of sixteen (16) cells or modules C/Min two side-by-side rows of eight (8) each that would fit in a standardshipping container and may produce approximately one and one half (1.5)million gallons per day of fresh water.

It is contemplated herein that first passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100.1 may include first Charged particle precipitationapparatus 600.1 and second passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.2may include second charged particle precipitation apparatus 600.2 and soon for two or more passive gravity filtration apparatuses 100 withintegrated charged particle precipitation apparatus 600 and configuredas two or more passive filter cells.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a flow diagram 800 of amethod of use of one or more passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 inseries as multi-modules or cells C/M forming array A. In block or step810, providing one or more passive gravity filtration apparatus 100,wherein one or more modules or cells C/M forming array A includescharged particle precipitation apparatus 600 therein. In block or step815, coupling or joining via a joiner or coupler, such as mating flange710 inlet 110.(n+1) of second passive gravity filtration apparatus100.(n+1) to outlet 112(n) of first passive gravity filtration apparatus100.(n) and so on for two or more passive gravity filtration apparatus100. In block or step 820, inputting effluent E therein inlet 110.1 ofgravity filtration apparatus 100. In block or step 825, filtering orseparating effluent E into first effluent E1 and second effluent E2 asprovided herein in FIGS. 1-7 in each of modules or cells C/M formingarray A of passive gravity filtration apparatus 100(1-n). In block orstep 830, discharging second effluent E2 (low concentration filteredeffluent) via first passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.1 outlet112.1 coupled or joined via a joiner or coupler, such as mating flange710 to inlet 110.1 of second passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.2,repeated for all other modules or cells C/M forming array A of passivegravity filtration apparatus 100(1-n). In block or step 835, dischargingfirst effluent E1 (high concentration effluent) therefrom discharge pipe182 of first passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 and all othermodules or cells C/M forming array A of passive gravity filtrationapparatus 100(1-n). In block or step 840, discharging second effluent E2from passive gravity filtration apparatus 100 as a partially clarifiedeffluent Epc filtered of a concentration, portion, or percentage ofsuspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS. In block or step845, tuning each of one or more passive gravity filtration apparatus 100in series as multi-modules or cells C/M forming array A to optimizefiltration process of array A. In block or step 850, discharging finalsecond effluent E2 from outlet 112 of the last module or cell C/Mforming array A of passive gravity filtration apparatus 100(1-n) as aclarified effluent Ec filtered of a greater concentration, portion, orpercentage of suspended substance SS and/or dissolved substance DS thanmay be accomplished by a single passive gravity filtration apparatus 100with all the advantages set forth herein. In block or step 855, joiningtwo or more inline passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.n may belinked or connected via joining flange 710.n utilized to couple firstoutlet 112.1 of first passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.1 theretosecond inlet 110.2 of second passive gravity filtration apparatus 100.2in series.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present disclosure. Having thus described exemplary embodiments,it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that thewithin disclosures are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the stepsof a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of that method. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one ordinarilyskilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefitof the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has beendescribed in detail, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to thespecific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A passive filter cell for filtering an effluentwith suspended substances and dissolved substances, the passive filtercell comprising: a basin with a floor and two or more upright sidewallsforming a channel having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, backsidewall, and a front sidewall, said floor is configured on an anglefrom said front sidewall to said back sidewall; an inlet positionedproximate a top of said front sidewall to receive the effluent and anoutlet positioned proximate said top of said back sidewall to exit theeffluent, wherein said front sidewall is downwardly curved from saidinlet to said floor; and a discharge pipe positioned proximate ajunction between said floor and said back sidewall.
 2. The passivefilter cell of claim 1, further comprises a lip configured to extendfrom said top of said back sidewall into an interior of said basin. 3.The passive filter cell of claim 1, wherein said floor is configured onan angle sloped from said first sidewall to said second sidewall.
 4. Thepassive filter cell of claim 1, wherein said front sidewall isconfigured as curved descending from said inlet to said floor.
 5. Thepassive filter cell of claim 1, wherein said inlet is configured tonarrow in a height and widen in a width the effluent.
 6. The passivefilter cell of claim 1, wherein said outlet is configured to shorten ina height and widen in a width the effluent.
 7. The passive filter cellof claim 1, wherein said lip projects opposite a flow of the effluent.8. The passive filter cell of claim 1, wherein said discharge pipe ispositioned proximate a junction between said floor, said back sidewall,and said second sidewall.
 9. The passive filter cell of claim 1, whereinsaid discharge pipe includes a valve.
 10. The passive filter cell ofclaim 2, further comprises a receiving zone for the effluent, saidreceiving zone positioned proximate said inlet.
 11. The passive filtercell of claim 10, further comprises a separation zone for the effluent,said separation zone positioned proximate said front sidewall.
 12. Thepassive filter cell of claim 11, further comprises a settling zone forthe effluent, said settling zone positioned proximate said floor andsaid back sidewall.
 13. The passive filter cell of claim 11, whereinsaid separation zone separates the effluent into a first effluent and asecond effluent, wherein said first effluent contains a heavierparticulate than said second effluent.
 14. The passive filter cell ofclaim 13, wherein said first effluent contains a higher concentration ofa suspended substance.
 15. The passive filter cell of claim 13, whereinsaid second effluent contains a lower concentration of said suspendedsubstance.
 16. The passive filter cell of claim 14, wherein said lip isconfigured to hold said first effluent therein said settling zone. 17.The passive filter cell of claim 14, wherein said discharge pipedischarges said first effluent.
 18. The passive filter cell of claim 15,wherein said outlet discharges said second effluent.
 19. The passivefilter cell of claim 13, further comprises a skimmer positionedproximate said top between said inlet and said outlet, said skimmerconfigured to skim floating substances from said second effluent. 20.The passive filter cells of claim 1, further comprises at least a firstpassive filter cell and at least a second passive filter cell, whereinsaid outlet of said first passive filter cell is joined thereto saidinlet of said second passive filter cell.
 21. The passive filter cellsof claim 20, wherein said outlet of said first passive filter cell isjoined thereto said inlet of said second passive filter cell by ajoining flange.
 22. The passive filter cell of claim 13, furthercomprises a charged particle precipitation apparatus.
 23. The passivefilter cell of claim 22, further comprises an inlet charging gridpositioned proximate said inlet.
 24. The passive filter cell of claim23, wherein said inlet charging grid further comprises at least onefirst charge plate.
 25. The passive filter cell of claim 23, furthercomprises a separation charging grid positioned proximate saidseparation zone.
 26. The passive filter cell of claim 25, wherein saidseparation charging grid further comprises at least one second chargeplate.
 27. The passive filter cell of claim 25, further comprises apower supply, said power supply includes a positive output terminalelectrically connected to said separation charging grid further and anegative output terminal electrically connected to said inlet charginggrid.
 28. The passive filter cell of claim 25, wherein said chargedparticle precipitation apparatus separates the effluent into a firstnegative charged effluent and a second non-negative charged effluent,wherein said first negative charged effluent contains a higherconcentration of a dissolved substance than said second non-chargedeffluent.
 29. The passive filter cell of claim 28, wherein said firstnegative charged effluent contains a higher concentration of a dissolvedsubstance.
 30. The passive filter cell of claim 27, wherein said secondnon-negative charged effluent contains a lower concentration of saiddissolved substance.
 31. The passive filter cell of claim 28, whereinsaid discharge pipe discharges said first negative charged effluent. 32.The passive filter cell of claim 28, wherein said outlet discharges saidsecond non-negative charged effluent.
 33. The passive filter cell ofclaim 25, further comprises a vertical adjustment device positionedbetween said separation charging grid and at least one of said firstsidewall, said second sidewall, and said back sidewall, said verticaladjustment device is configured to enable height adjustment of saidseparation charging grid relative to said floor.
 34. The passive filtercells of claim 22, further comprises at least a first passive filtercell having a first charged particle precipitation apparatus and atleast a second passive filter cell having a second charged particleprecipitation apparatus, wherein said outlet of said first passivefilter cell is joined thereto said inlet of said second passive filtercell.
 35. The passive filter cells of claim 34, wherein said outlet ofsaid first passive filter cell is joined thereto said inlet of saidsecond passive filter cell by a joining flange.
 36. A method offiltering an effluent with suspended substances and dissolvedsubstances, said method comprising the steps of: providing two or morepassive filter cells, each passive filter cell having a basin with afloor and two or more upright sidewalls forming a channel having a firstsidewall, a second sidewall, back sidewall, and a front sidewall, saidfloor is configured on an angle from said front sidewall to said backsidewall, an inlet positioned proximate a top of said front sidewall toreceive the effluent and an outlet positioned proximate said top of saidback sidewall to exit the effluent, wherein said front sidewall isdownwardly curved from said inlet to said floor, and a discharge pipepositioned proximate a junction between said floor and said backsidewall; joining at least a first passive filter cell and at least asecond passive filter cell, wherein said outlet of said first passivefilter cell is joined thereto said inlet of said second passive filtercell; inputting an effluent therein said inlet of said at least a firstpassive filter cell; filtering said effluent into a first effluent and asecond effluent in each of said each passive filter cell; dischargingsaid first effluent from said outlet of at least said first passivefilter cell to said input of at least said second passive filter cell;and discharging said second effluent from said outlet of at least saidsecond passive filter cell.
 37. The method of claim 36, furthercomprising the step of tuning each of said two or more passive filtercells.